Ventilator



Jan. 16, 1945. E. L. WISEMAN 2,367,454

I VENTILATOR F iled Jan. 15, 1943 v IN VEN TOR. EA El. 4 WISE/1AA A ATTOPNEYS Patented Jan. 16, 1945 UNHTE D STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,367,454..

VENTILAT'OR Earl. L. Wiseman, University Heights, Ohio, as-

sig-nor to- The Swartwout Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation. ofOhio,

Application January15, 1943, Serial No. 4'7'2A 5'3 7 Claims.

This invention relates to roof ventilators, and more particularly to theplain stationary typ iof roof ventilator.

The purpose of such ventilators is broadly to facilitate the outflow ofair, gases, fumes and the like from rooms and buildings; while excludingthe ingress of weather such as rain, snow and sleet. Ordinarily; suchventilators are attached directly to the roofs of the buildings abovethe spaceto be ventilated. Reasons of economy suggest that theventilators be spacedbut a reason-' able minimum height abovethe roof toconserve the length of the eduction pipe or stack leading; from the roofopening;

Since roofs have been and often are designed without regard to, or evenknowledge" of the original and later arising problems of ventilation,and since roofs take an endless variety of shapes; flat, sloping,saw-toothed, gabled etc., and" since the location of ventilators isoften, if not largely determined by the hot spot or other conditions:within the building, many'of' which have no relation to the shape of theroof, onemof the cardinal objects of my invention is to provide aventilatorhaving universality of utility and efliciencyover a.

wide range and variety of roof configurationse Another object of myinvention is to provide a" ventilator which will take the best advantageof." the wind and outside air currents to aid or accentuate the naturaldraft through the ventilators. As a complement to this object, it is afurther object of my invention to provide against the impairment of thenatural draft throughthe ventillator by the influence of the wind and.outside air currents. A further object is to exclude weather fromentering the building or space to be'ventilated, and to prevent weatheror weather conch.- tions from impairing the operation and effici'encv ofthe ventilator. Among, other things it is the object of. my invention toprevent the ventilator from freezing up, i. e., as by the collection ofice internally thereof or in. any manner which might. either impairits-function as a ventilator or'overload its structure. Another objectis to. providev a ventilator from which birds, squirrels, and othersmall animals can be excluded without. elaborate and involvedscreening.

'With these objects, a further object is: to pro*-' vide a ventilator ofsimple, inexpensive and; rug-= ged construction, devoid of moving" partsexcept for such agencies as fans or am ere wherethe I taken on theline2-4} Figure 1,,and Figure E i's a Preferably thedamper has a weight W onone side which tends to hold the other side upwardly fragmentary view ofa part of Figure l showing the preferred relation of the marginal edgeof the capto one of its supporting brackets prior to final attachmentthereto.

In the preferred form of my invention, 1? provide a round stack ored-uction pipe l, which while shown to-be' short in relationtoitsdiameter'may' have any desired length, and as is well understood inthe'art will be; connected at its bottom to communicate-With the-roofopening through suitableconnecting, supporting ahd'flash-ing structurenot shown. As will be-seen, I prefer to mount a damper 2 on an axis 3;which is journalled at its ends in bearings carried by the eduction pipeI'".

against a stop S to maintain the damper in its" closed position. A chain0 permits opening of the dampermore or'lessas desired;

In this form of my invention and with particular regard tothe simplicityand ruggedness of construction, I'secureto the upper end of the pipe Ipreferably at three points circumferential-11y spaced there around,trapezoidal shaped rigid brackets B. These brackets may be'securedtothe' upper end of the pipe l as by rivets rat the lower ends of thelonger of the parallel vertical sides of the brackets. Preferablytheupper' end of the pipe I is stiffened by such-means; as the annularcorrugation C.

A cap 5 preferably of conical form is positioned directly above andspaced away from the upper open end of'the eduction pipe I and overlies,i. e'. its marginal edge overhangs, the upper openingof the pipe wherebyto exclude weather therefrom; The cap 5- rests upon and is secured tothe upper sloping leg of, the brackets B so that the cap: is given athree point support and has removable attachment to these bracketspreferably through nuts and bolts 6. As shown in Figure 3, I'prefer thatthe slope ofith'e upper legs. of each of the brackets be inclined alittl'emore steeply than the:

idle pitch of the conical. cap 5, 'so that edge of the cap tends to bespaced fromthe bracket as.

at 1-1 in Figure 3;. before the parts are secured. to

gether; In this way the parts are stressed in the course of theirattachment with the result that the whole structure is given firmnessand rigidity. Not only is the cap supported by the brackets, but alsothe cap in turn serves as an annular ring tying the brackets togetherand holding them upright against their tendency to tip or swingoutwardly under the cantilever load of the storm band which is carriedon the outwardly extending parts of the brackets.

The same brackets B support the annular storm band I0, which comprisesnot only the ordinary cylindrical portion II but also comprises infunctional unity therewith, upper and lower inturned edges or baflieparts I2 and I3 which extend respectively inwardly and upwardly andinwardly and downwardly, terminating in circular edges approaching thediameter of the eduction pipe I. The baflie parts I2 and I3 ma eachpreferably be of frusto-conical form pitched substantially as shown inthe drawing. The upper edge or baflie portion I2 of the storm band IIextends inwardly and upwardly to a circular edge overhanging themarginal edgeof the cap and defining the top circular ultimate outletopening I4 of the ventilator. This overlapping relation of the uppermostedge of the storm band taken with the balance of the construction andarrangement thereof guarantees the exclusion of weather entering theopening I4 from entering the open end of the eduction pipe I Rainentering the opening I4 of the ventilator will fall on the cap 5 and bediverted downwardly and outwardly upon the inturned edge or baffle I3 ofthe storm band II at a substantial distance radially outward from theeduction pipe. I and substantially below the level of the upper end ofthis pipe, as for example, in about the zone indicated by the numeralI5,

The relation of the conical bafile part I3 to the upper edge of the pipeI in regard to distance and slope is governed in a considerable measurewith regard to the splashing of the rain falling from the cap 5 to thezone I5 so that the water falling on the part I3 will not splash intothe upper open end of the pipe I. I have found the proportion andarrangement shown in'the drawing to be generally satisfactory in thisrespect as well as economical of material, but I suggest that wheretorrential rain storms are to be dealt with, that the cylindrical partof thestorm band and brackets be extended downwardly somewhat and thewhole of the part or baffle I3 be lowered with respect to the upper edgeof the pipe I, as indicated in the dotted lines L on the left side ofFigure 1.

The part I3 at its lower and inward circular edge approaches contactwith the outer cylindrical surface of the eduction pipe I and ispreferably spaced therefrom only by such a narrow annular space or crackI6 as to permit the egress of rain or water forming snow or sleetentering the opening I4 at a rate sufficient to prevent overflow intothe upper end of the pipe I. I prefer that the lower inner edge of thepart I3 be substantially circular and substantially uniformly spacedfrom the outer surface of the pipe I. As a matter of manufacturingconvenience and economy, Eco

metric precision is seldom practicable or necessary in this respect, andI find that the space It, while not being necessarily uniform all theway around the ventilator, is adequate to permit the egress of watertherethrough if the opening defined by inner edge of the part I3 hasjust about a "good manufacturing tolerance in excess of the outsidediameter of the pipe I. For example, if

the pipe I were one foot in outside diameter, 1

would design the hole defined by the inner edge of the part I3 to beabout 12% inches diameter. This would give an easy tolerance forassembly and give a gross opening I6 of the order of about 2 to 4% ofthe cross-sectional area of the eduction pipe I. Of course wheretorrential storms are to be dealt with, the opening It can be increasedor the inner edge of the part I3 may be notched or scalloped as at IT topermit the greater outflow of water.

The proximity of the lower edge of the part I3 I to the eduction pipe,its upward and outward slope therefrom, and its integral functionalrelation to the storm band as a whole excludes wind and outside aircurrents substantially entirely from the interior of the ventilator. Inthis way, I prevent cold down-drafts from working into the eduction pipefrom below the storm band, and also maintain the ventilatorweather-proof as against driving rains, or even upwardly blown spindriftwhich might otherwise get below storm bands of the type used in theprior art. Where ventilators embodying my invention are exposed merelyto horizontal air currents those currents aid the natural draft as theyaid the draft from a chimney with the added impetus of such influencesas I believe tend to follow from the enlarged gross exterior of theventilator. When the outside wind as shown by the arrow A has an upwardinclination as is frequently given by a sloping roof, wind for thereasons above stated is prevented from entering the ventilator, andproduces a substantial augmentation of the natural draft by virtue ofthe enlarged projected area of the ventilator as a whole, ta'kensubstantially normal to the direction of the arrow A. In the form shownsuch a projected area is about twice as great as the cross-sectionalarea of the eduction pipe I. It should be noted that wind approachingthe ventilator from the direction of the arrow A is not confronted withexposed lips or edges or other structural forms which tend to set upeddy currents or other energy wastinginfluences. On the contrary myventilator prevents smooth continuous rounded surfaces which whilediverting the wind so that its current encompasses the ventilator, doesso in a manner that permits the fair maintenance of the wind velocitypassing the ventilator as I have indicated roughly by the arrows a: andy with the result that the suction effect at and on the upper opening I4 is much augmented. These advantages also persist as the wind currentstake directions varying from that of the arrow A, since the smoothrounded exterior of the ventilator and eduction pipe does not undulyback up, trap or hinder the smooth flow of air on the windward side ofthe structure. The wind striking the lower bafile I3 of the storm bandis guided smoothly along from its point of impact, flowing around thepipe I and/or flowing upwardly and around the cylindrical part II of thestorm band, and in all events having a good velocity head on the leeside of the ventilator with the consequent enhanced rariiication of theair to leeward of the outlet opening I4 and in the direction of outflowtherefrom.

Referring back to the construction of the ventilator, the lower bafllepart I3 of the storm band is preferably secured as by detachable boltsand nuts III to the lower sloping legs of the brackets 13. Thecylindrical part In of the storm band is secured, preferably bydetachable bolts and nuts, to the outer vertical legs of the brackets B,having its lower edge overlapping the outer edge of the baflle I3 in airtight or wind proof relation. The cylindrical part I0 being thus firmlysecured In the. structure at. three, preferably equally spaced;circumferentialipoints is in turn used as the-structure-l element-tosustain theu-pper part T2 of thestorm band which overlies it, and isattached by suitable removable metal screws or the like 20 at aplurality of points around the overlapping edges. The joint betweenthese parts is also air tight or'wi'nd proof, so that the storm band asa whole H, II and I3 functionsaerodynamically as an integral unit.

The opening I l is preferably screened as by a screen 21 securedpreferably by removable bolts and nuts to theupper and inner-edge of thepart l2 as" at 22. Since the opening I4 is the only opening of anysubstantial size, the single circular screen 2| excludes from the wholeinterior of the device all nest making birds and animals of any sizegreater than the very smallest which might enter through the crack orspace IS.

The arrangement of the parts above described permits ready assembly andremovalof the parts and ready access to the interior of the ventilatorfor all purposes. The parts are mutually selfsupporting and reinforcingand the whole structure is given balance, simplicity and ruggedness inan economical construction It may be noted in passing that among otheradvantages of my invention there is this, that moisture entering theventilator under conditions otherwise tending to form ice adjacent thedrain opening I6 is prevented from freezing by the warm gases coming upthrough the pipe I, which tend to melt any ice that might form andotherwise clog the opening I6 and impair the drainage of the ventilator.In this way, my ventilator tends whichl're'spectively overlie the'edgetof said'cap? and extend inwardly and. downwardly" to-closeproximity" and rough fit with the exterior su-r faces of said pipe belowthe upper end. thereof, the proximity of said. lower edge to and its fitwith said pipe substantially preventing imgress of wind. whilepermitting egress of water therebetween.

3. A ventilator comprising an. eduction pipe; a cap' spaced from andoverlying the upper open, end of the said pipe, a storm bandencompassing. the upper end of said pipe and said cap in spaced relationthereto and having inturnedv imperforate upper and. lower edge portionswhich respectively: overlie the marginal edge of said cap and extendobliquely to close proximity with the exterior surface of said pipebelow the upperend thereof and inclined outwardly and upwardly from saidsurface, the proximity of said lower edge to said pipe substantiallypreventing ingress of wind therebetween While permitting egress of watertherebetween, and means carried by the upper end of said pipe supportingsaid cap and said band.

4. A ventilator comprising an eduction pipe, a cap spaced from andoverlying .the end of said pipe, an annular storm band comprising a partextending coaxially of said pipe and surrounding said cap in spacedrelation thereto, the lower edge of said part lying at about the levelof the upper end of said pipe, said storm band also to be self cleaningas against the formation of ice which might otherwise impair thedrainage thereof.

The smooth rounded and unbroken exterior surface of my ventilator on alloutside surfaces from the roof to the topmost opening I 4, viewed fromevery direction and angle permits my ventilator to function with highefficiency in association with a wide range of roof structures anddesigns and in response to wind and air currents from every point of thecompass and through a wide range of vertical angles.

While I have illustrated and described a preferred form of my invention,changes, improvements and modifications will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the major precepts thereof, and I do notcare to be limited in my patent claims to the preferred form or thedetails thereof, or in any manner other than by the claims appendedhereto.

I claim:

1. A ventilator comprising a round eduction pipe, a cap spaced from andoverlying the upper open end of the said pipe, and an annular storm bandencompassing the upper end of said pipe and said cap in spaced relationthereto and having an inturned imperforate lower inclined edge portionextending inwardly and downwardly to close proximity with the exteriorsurface of said pipe below the upper end thereof, the proximity of saidlower edge to said pipe substantially preventing ingress of wind whilepermitting egress of water therebetween.

2. A ventilator comprising a round eduction pipe, an imperforate capspaced from and overlying the upper open end of the said pipe, and animperforate annular storm band encompassing the upper end of said pipeand said cap in spaced relation thereto and having inturned incomprisinga lower inclined part joining the lower edge of said first part andsloping inwardly and downwardly to substantial contact with said pipebelow the end thereof and spaced therefrom at least at intervals onlyenough to permit egress of water therebetween, and brackets carried bythe upper end of said pipe supporting said cap and said parts, said capconstraining said brackets against outward tipping movement induced bythe cantilever load of said parts.

5. A ventilator comprising a round eduction pipe, a cap spaced from andoverlying the end of said pipe, an annular storm band comprising acylindrical part extending coaxially of said pipe and surrounding saidcap in spaced relation thereto, the lower edge of said part lyingsubstantially at the level of the upper end of said pipe, said stormband also comprising a lower substantially conical part joining thelower edge of said cylindrical part and sloping inwardly and downwardlyto substantial contact with said pipe and spaced therefrom at least atintervals only enough to permit egress of water therebetween, said stormband also comprising an upper bafile joining the upper edge of saidcylindrical part and rising and extending inwardly to overlie themarginal edge of said cap, and brackets carried by the upper end of saidpipe supporting said cap and said parts, said cylindrical partsupporting said bafile.

6. A ventilator comprising a round eduction pipe, a cap spaced from andoverlying the end of said pipe, an annular storm band comprising acylindrical part extending coaxially of said pipe and surrounding saidcap in spaced relation thereto, the lower edge of said part lyingsubstantially at the level of the upper end of said pipe, said stormband also comprising a lower substantially conical part joining thelower edge of said cylindrical part and sloping inwardly and downwardlyto substantial contact with said pipe and spaced therefrom at least atintervals only enough to permit egress of water therebetween,

clined upper and lower imperforate edge portions said storm band alsocomprising an upper baflle joining the upper edge of said cylindricalpart and rising and extending inwardly to overlie the marginal edge ofsaid cap, brackets carried by the upper end of said pipe verticallysupporting said cap and being horizontally supported thereby and saidbrackets supporting said parts, said cylindrical part supporting saidbafile, said ventilator having no substantial opening to atmosphereother than defined by the inner edge of said upper bafile, and a screendisposed in said opening carried by the inner edge of said upper baflle.

'7. A ventilator comprising in combination a round eduction pipe, anannular storm band comprising a cylindrical part extending coaxially ofsaid pipe and surrounding the upper end of said pipe in spaced relationthereto, said storm band also comprising a lower substantially conicalpart joining the lower edge of said cylindrical part and slopinginwardly and downwardly to substantial contact with said pipe below theupper end thereof and spaced therefrom only enough to permit egress ofwater therebetween, means for excluding weather from entering the saidupper end of said pipe, and means supported by the end of said pipe andconnected with said first named means for supporting said storm band.

EARL L. WISEMAN.

